Why stay at the resorts just south of here when you can stay here and it's all your own? And for much less money!
We used the beach chairs and mats and spent a few hours at Hapuna Beach, but it was hot - the sand was almost unbearable to walk on. We came back here to our own private resort where the heat was much more tolerable - 500' elevation makes a difference - the breeze and pool were the cure we needed. The only thing that would make this place better is an air conditioner. The rooms are nice, clean, but simple.
As far as food in the area - there is a Cafe Pesto location in Kawaihe. Their main location is in Hilo and we ate at both - both excellent food. Audrey's breakfasts were delicious. I wish I had known there was a mini-fridge - threw out a lot of perishables before coming here from the previous stop on our trip.
Would definitely come back.

There isn't much that I can add to the superlatives in the other reviews. Extremely relaxing, fabulous views, excellent breakfasts, nice room, and a really kind hostess. The only disagreement I have with other reviews relates to eating options - the restaurants in the nearest town (Kawaihae) are lousy. The food is way over-priced, poorly done, and you get to eat it while looking at a view consisting of oil storage tanks and a cement factory. But Makai Hale makes up for it. And there are some nice places to eat in Kapauu, although it's a little far and most places are open only for lunch. We paid $150/night at Makai Hale (I think it's an off-season rate). Definitely recommended.

If you're looking for a quiet and peaceful place, this is it! My wife & I spent two nights there in late-May of 2010 & really enjoyed the quiet atmosphere. There's a pool & jacuzzi for your use. The owners live in the house (on the other side of the pool) but, if it weren't for the delicious meals that Audrey left us in the morning, we would have never known that they were there. There is a kitchen area with snacks, fridge and coffeemaker. The bathrooms look brand new; in fact, the whole building looked fairly new. There's a great back porch for taking a book and mindlessly gazing out at the Pacific Ocean (a few hundred feet below). Also great for bird and cat watching. The neighborhood is residential and very spread out. You can drive down to the Mauna Kea resort and use their white sand beach (about a 15 minute drive away). There are also some really good restaurants about 5 minutes away. There is a back way out to Kahola Mountain Road. It's about 30 minutes north of the Kona airport. It's a very romantic and family-friendly place for those looking to get away from the crowds!

This was our 10th visit, and we've loved every one. Fantastic scenery, wonderful hosts,
privacy, solitude, sumptuous breakfasts---Makai Hale has it all. We're already salivating about our next return.